Doctors say electronic screens damage youngsters’ sleep and fitness

November 16, 2016

Children under two should not watch Television at all say top doctors
Overuse of smartphones damage children’s social skills say US experts
UK doctors urge Government to issue warning and call issue a ‘timebomb

Mail on Sunday Reporter

Published:
20:41 EST, 12 November 2016

|
Updated:
23:42 EST, 12 November 2016

e-mail

View
comments

Children under five should spend no more than an hour a day in front of TV or computer screens – and those under two should not view them at all, a study by top doctors warns.

Overuse of smartphones, electronic tablets and laptops damages children’s sleep, fitness and ability to socialise with others, adds the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children under five should spend no more than an hour a day in front of TV or computer screens (file photo)

Its warning on the under-fives halves the organisation’s previous recommended limit.

The new alert was yesterday backed by British doctors. Psychologist and child expert Dr Aric Sigman urged the Government to publish similar guidelines and called the issue a ‘timebomb’.

He added: ‘We are reaching a crucial point.’

‘I feel blessed’: Grandmother who lost son in 9/11 describes…

Bullied children ‘twice as likely to be obese in later life’…
35-year-old woman has a 15lb tumour removed from her kidney…